Plural Toric Cavities Patents (Class 476/42)
  • Patent number: 6524213
    Abstract: Power rollers 18c are comprised by an inner roller 93 making frictional contact between the input and output disks 18a, 20a and an outer roller 94 supporting a contact load input from the input and output disks 18a, 20a to the inner roller 93 through a ball bearing 92. An inner radial hole 93a is provided on the inner roller 93 to support a pivot shaft 15. The inner radial hole 93a opens near the outer roller and is covered by a bottom part 93b on a side opposite to the outer roller. In this manner, compression deformation of the inner roller is suppressed when a load is applied to the inner roller. Thus smooth rotational motion of the power roller is maintained and component durability can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhito Mori
  • Publication number: 20030017907
    Abstract: The present toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises an oil passage formed in an input shaft so as to extend in the axial direction of the input shaft, a plurality of ball spline grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft so as to be spaced from one another at a given interval in the peripheral direction of the input shaft, a plurality of oil grooves not only for connecting together the ball spline grooves but also for guiding lubricating oil along the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft, and two oil holes 1a formed in the input shaft 1 for allowing the oil grooves and oil passage to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Nishii
  • Publication number: 20030017906
    Abstract: A wall mounting structure for a dual cavity toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) including two toroidal speed change units. Each toroidal speed change unit includes a pair of input and output disks rotatable about a common rotation axis, the input disks being axially spaced from each other, the output disks being disposed between the input disks and axially opposed to each other in a spaced relation, and a gear set drivingly connected with the output disks. The wall mounting structure includes a transmission-case accommodating the toroidal speed change units, an intermediate wall disposed between the output disks and accommodating the gear set, and a fastener fixing the intermediate wall to the transmission case and extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Eio Sagara, Keiichi Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20020198077
    Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a link support structure of one of upper and lower links linking ends of trunnions includes a stationary portion fixed to a transmission casing. Also provided is an engagement portion formed at the link and in contact with the stationary portion. The engagement pair restricts a fore-and-aft movement of the link relative to the casing in a direction of a common rotation axis O1 of input and output disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Watanabe, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6471617
    Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing (1), an input shaft (3), a torque converter (34), two input discs (5, 15) with toroidal surfaces, two output discs (6, 16) with toroidal surfaces wherein one input disc and one output disc each form a pair and the two output discs are arranged next to each other with mirror symmetry, several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from the input disc to the corresponding output disc, an output shaft (10) and a gearwheel system (8, 9) between output discs and output shaft, there being removably fastened on the transmission housing (1) a holding frame (2) having: an upper portion (28), a lower portion (29), fastening devices (20, 30 and 46, 47) for fastening pivots (42, 43 and 48, 49) and a bearing support member (7) which connects the upper portion (28) with the lower portion (29) and in which is situated at least one bearing (24) for the gear wheel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Kuhn, Jürgen Wafzig
  • Publication number: 20020155918
    Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission includes a pair of discs (5, 10) in opposed relation, and a rotary element (17) interposed in a toroidal clearance (S) defined between these discs (5, 10). Torque is transmitted between the pair of discs (5, 10) via the rotary element (17). Sensing the velocity of the rotary element (17) permits the determination of, for example, how much the rotary element (17) slips on the discs (5, 10). This assists the prevention of heat-up of the rotary element (17) and also provides an optimal traction between the rotary element (17) and the discs (5, 10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Yasuharu Misada
  • Patent number: 6468181
    Abstract: A toroidal type CVT has upper and lower links. The upper link is associated with an upper link supporting member, which is fixedly joined to its casing with a bolt(s). The lower link is associated with a lower link supporting member, which is joined to a cylinder body. An adjusting hole formed in the upper link supporting member and a knock pin extending from the casing are used to permit displacement of the upper link within a predetermined limit in the longitudinal direction of the link. Rotating its input and output discs while the bolt is loosened equalizes the thrust forces acting on the power rollers gripped between the input and output disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6464614
    Abstract: Disclosed is a supply of hydraulic actuation and cooling fluid to the roller actuation pistons and rollers provided in an infinitely variable transmission. The transmission assembly (10) includes a split casing (12a, 12b) and a manifold (28) that comprises one or more channels (30, 32, 60) formed in a surface of the casing formed by the split. The provision of said manifold in this position allows for easier manufacture and better performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Dutson
  • Publication number: 20020147069
    Abstract: A double-cavity toroidal-type continuously variable transmission includes a case, a drive shaft and a toroidal transmission mechanism portion. The toroidal transmission mechanism portion includes a gear housing for supporting an output gear, and a yoke for supporting a pivot shaft of a trunnion in an oscillatable manner. The support post for supporting the yoke and a fixing member for fixing the gear housing and the support post to the case are connected together or are formed as an integral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Nobuo Goto, Takashi Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6461270
    Abstract: A pair of power rollers which is gripped between an input disk and an output disk and transmits torque by friction, is supported rotatably by a pair of trunnions. The upper ends and lower ends of the trunnions are respectively connected by links, and the power roller is prevented from being driven out from between the input disk and output disk by the grip force. When the trunnions and the power rollers are displaced by the servopistons in the trunnion axis direction in mutually opposite directions, the trunnions and power rollers gyrate around the trunnion axis as pivot, and a speed change will occur. Links are provided with slots which lengthen in the trunnion axis direction, and are supported in the transmission case free to displace in the trunnion axis direction via pins inserted in the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6413187
    Abstract: In a toroidal type continuously variable transmission, shoulder portions are formed on a trunnion which opposes an upper link or a lower link, and projecting portions are formed on the links which slidably contact the shoulder portions when the links execute swinging movement. The end portions of the projecting portions which slidably contact the shoulder portions are formed with arcuate faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Toshifumi Hibi, Masatoshi Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 6408518
    Abstract: Using a phase matching device 59, the phases of the outside diameter side and inside diameter side ball spline grooves 46, 47 are matched to each other and such phase matched state is maintained as it is. A given number of balls are supplied to between the two ball spline grooves 46, 47 through openings formed in the upper end portions of spaces existing therebetween by a ball supply device 64. An input shaft 15 and an input side disk 2B are shifted reciprocatingly with respect to each other in the axial direction thereof and in the circumferential direction thereof using a lift board 54, a center pin 56, and a swing device 72. As a result of the relatively shifting operation of the input shaft 15 and input side disk 2B, the balls are allowed to drop into the lower portions of spaces respectively defined by and between the two ball spline grooves 46, 47 due to the influence of gravity, that is, due to their own weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kumagae, Ryota Iwahashi
  • Patent number: 6406401
    Abstract: The toroidal drive has an input shaft (3) and a torque shaft (20) positioned coaxially thereto as well as two input discs (5, 12) and two output discs (6, 11) associated in pairs to the input discs. Between one of the input discs (5) and an axial flange (9), which is firmly connected with the input shaft (3) and upon which supports itself the input disc (5) is not pressurized by a contact-pressure device (4), one universal bearing (18) is provided which assumes both the axial support and the radial support of said input disc (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Kuhn, Jürgen Wafzig, Markus Hoher
  • Patent number: 6402658
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission including discs made of heat-resisting bearing steel, and rollers made of ceramics. The heat-resisting bearing steel contains 0.8-1.5 wt % of C, 0.5-2.0 wt % of Si, 0.3-2.0 wt % of Mn, 1.3-1.98 wt % of Cr, and 0.3-1.0 wt % of Mo, (Si+Mo) being 1.0 wt % or more. Because the rollers are made of ceramics superior in heat resistance, the toroidal type continuously variable transmission, even if used under high load and high rotational speed, is free from occurrence of sticking between discs and rollers and damage of the raceway surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Yasuhara, Takao Tamagawa, Kazuo Rokkaku, Shoji Eguchi, Yoshihiro Ono, Masao Goto
  • Patent number: 6402657
    Abstract: The friction gear has an input shaft (3) an a torque shaft (20) arranged in a position coaxial thereto, two input disks (5, 12) and output disks (6, 11) disposed in pairs and between which friction wheels are placed and fastened to carriers (26). In the upper section (39) of the housing of the gear recesses (35) are provided in which the upper ends (36) of the carriers (26) engage with play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Sich
  • Patent number: 6387010
    Abstract: In order to facilitate an assembling operation of a structure which is correctly operated with a proper positional relation, in a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, a displacement shaft, a power roller, a radial needle bearing, a thrust ball bearing and a thrust needle bearing are pre-assembled to a trunnion. After dimensional relations and operation conditions of the constructural parts of the assembly or unit are ascertained, the assembly is assembled within a housing together with other unit, thereby completing the toroidal type continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6383112
    Abstract: In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the torque transmission shaft 15 includes a flange portion 29a formed in one end thereof, while a securing portion 43 is formed in the end-face side half section of the flange portion 29a so as to be able to secure a tool thereto when tightly fastening a loading nut 19 to a external thread portion 40 formed in the torque transmission shaft 15. And, the outer peripheral surface of the securing portion 43 is formed as a polygonally cylindrical shape having four or more flat surfaces. Also, after the torque transmission shaft 15 is heat-carburized and the surface of a cylindrical portion 44 formed in the torque transmission shaft 15 is removed, the external thread portion 40 is worked, which makes it possible not only to secure the hardness of the adjoining portions of the external thread portion 40 but also to control the hardness of the external thread portion 40 itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Takashi Imanishi, Hiroshi Kato
  • Publication number: 20020049113
    Abstract: Plural cooling passages 37a extending radially are formed from the inner circumference to the outer circumference and within an output disk 37 common to two toroidal transmission units. Lubricating oil which has reached an annular space between the output disk 37 and the main shaft 27 via holes 27f, 27g from an oil passage 27e in the main shaft 27, flows into the cooling passages 37a inside the output disk 37, and the output disk 37 is thereby cooled from inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Watanabe, Haruhito Mori, Eio Sagara
  • Patent number: 6375595
    Abstract: A plural cavity toroidal transmission is designed to permit transmission of great torque between output side disks and a sleeve while maintaining a thickness of the sleeve. To this end, convex portions are formed on outer surfaces of the output side disks and concave portions are formed on edge portions of both axial ends of the sleeve. By fitting the convex portions into the concave portions, synchronous rotations of the pair of output side disks and transmission of rotation from the output side disks to an output gear can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Machida, Takashi Imanishi, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6375594
    Abstract: The toroidal transmission has a input shaft (1) and at least one input disc (4, 6) and at least one output disc (5, 7) with wheels disposed therebetween. Supports (16, 17) for the wheels (18, 19) are mounted on ends of lower and upper cross yokes, the ends of the upper cross yokes (12, 13) being preferably gradually decreased in spacing to the lower cross yokes (27) and the diameters of upper recesses for lodging upper bearings being larger than those of associated lower recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Wafzig
  • Publication number: 20020028723
    Abstract: A dual cavity toroidal type CVT includes two toroidal transmission units (31, 32). A torque delivery shaft (27) carries a first input disc (35) and a second input disc (36) coaxially for a unitary rotation. A third common output disc (37) between the first and second input discs (35, 36) has an output gear (73) fixedly attached to an outer periphery thereof. Radial bearings (39, 40) received in peripheral grooves (27a, 27b) of the torque delivery shaft (27) are in rolling contact with a central opening defining wall of the third common output disc (37). Two supports (41, 42) are fixedly attached to a transmission casing (21) and bear thrust load tending to tilt the third common output disc (37) from a predetermined normal upright position, thereby to hold the third common output disc (37) in the predetermined normal upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hirano, Masaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20020025879
    Abstract: While rotating a spindle 34, the circular hole 15 is worked using a cutting tool 39. Before or after the working operation of the circular hole 15, a chuck 36 is translated in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the spindle 34 by a slider 35. And, the flat surface 29 as well as the stepped surfaces 31, 31 and inner surfaces 38, 38, which are respectively composed of partially tubular surfaces, are cut or worked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yuko Kamamura, Shoji Horike, Takaji Iwasawa
  • Publication number: 20020006847
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) is comprised of first and second pairs of power rollers whose gyration angles are synchronized by first, second and third wires. The first wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers, and the second wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers. The third wire is wound around the four power-roller supporting members and fixed to the diagonally-arranged two power-roller supporting members. A pair of guide walls are disposed between the power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers and between the power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers and bend the third wire extending between the first-pair power-roller supporting members and between the second-pair power-roller supporting members toward output discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eio Sagara, Hiroyuki Hirano, Mikoto Ooishi
  • Patent number: 6332857
    Abstract: In a state where an input shaft 15a, an input side disk 2A and a loading cam device 9 are assembled together, thrust to be generated by the loading cam device 9 is measured. In case where this thrust is within a specified range, the other component parts of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission are combined with the above assembled parts to thereby produce the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission. Accordingly it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which is excellent in efficiency and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Kiyotaka Hirata, Mitsuo Kumagae
  • Patent number: 6332858
    Abstract: A power roller (18C, 18D, 20C, 20D) of a toroidal continuously variable transmission is supported by a pedestal (94) such that it is free to rotate. A first roller bearing (96A) supporting the pedestal (94) in the trunnion (17) against a horizontal load which makes a right angle with an input shaft (16) of the transmission, and a second roller bearing (96B, 96C) supporting the pedestal (94) in the trunnion (17) against a vertical load which makes a right angle with the input shaft (16) of the transmission, are provided between the trunnion (17) and the pedestal (94). These roller bearings (96A), (96B), (96C) permit the pedestal (94) to easily displace parallel to the input shaft (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Jun Sugihara, Haruyoshi Kumura, Toshikazu Oshidari, Jun Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6325740
    Abstract: The hardness of the outer peripheral surface of a small-diameter portion 47 and one side surface of a collar portion 52, which respectively rub against a belleville spring 39a, is set at HRc45 or higher, thereby enhancing the wear resistance of these surfaces. On the other hand, the hardness of a fastening tubular portion 51 is set at HRc3O or lower, thereby making it difficult for the fastening tubular portion 51 to be damaged or cracked when it is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Kobayashi, Nobuo Goto, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20010046920
    Abstract: A speed change control system is equipped with a feedback mechanism which feeds back the gyration angle of a power roller and the axial displacement of the power roller, to a speed change control valve (100) via a speed change link (12). The feedback mechanism comprises a cam plate (2) which outputs a feedback amount according to the gyration angle of the power roller, an L-shaped link (7) which outputs a feedback amount according to the axial displacement of the power roller, and a feedback link (3) connected to the cam plate (2) and L-shaped link (7), and connected to the speed change link (12). The feedback gain of the feedback amount according to the axial displacement of the power roller due to the L-shaped link (7), is varied according to the gyration angle of the power roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Sugihara, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20010046921
    Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission, includes: at least one pair of disks concentrically disposed on each other and rotatably supported independent from each other; a trunnion swingable about a pivot shaft; a displacement shaft including a support shaft portion and a pivot shaft portion that are parallel and eccentric to each other, the support shaft portion rotatably supported to the circular hole of the trunnion through a radial bearing, the pivot shaft portion being protruded from an inner surface of the middle portion of said trunnion; a power roller nipped between the concave surfaces of the pair of disks while being rotatably supported on an outer circumferential surface of the pivot shaft portion; and a thrust bearings located between the power roller and the inner surface of the middle portion of the trunnions. An eccentric quantity of the displacement shaft being a distance between the support shaft portion and the pivot shaft portion is within a range from 5 mm to 15 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Imanishi, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato, Nobuaki Mitamura, Hiroyuki Itoh, Seiji Higuchi, Hiroshi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6306060
    Abstract: A roller control unit for a CVT includes a cylinder (54) having a piston (70) positioned therein and operably connected to a roller assembly of said CVT thereby to control its position. The unit includes a lubrication supply which comprises a chamber (94) between the cylinder (54) and piston (70) and one or more radially extending passageways (102) through said piston (70). These passageways are in flow communication with the roller and act to direct cooling fluid to said roller. Radial supply of said lubrication facilitates a reduction in flow losses within the supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Dutson, Andrew Damian De Freitas
  • Patent number: 6302819
    Abstract: In an infinite speed ratio transmission device comprising a continuously variable transmission (2), fixed speed ratio transmission (3) and planetary gear set (5), a final output shaft (6) is provided to extract the rotation output of the planetary gear mechanism (5). The output gear (3B), a sprocket (4A) and transmission device output gear (7) are formed on a final output shaft (6). The output gear (3B) engages with an input gear (3A) of the fixed speed ratio transmission (3), and the device output gear (7) engages with the final gear (12). The output of the continuously variable transmission (2) is transmitted to the sprocket (4A) via a chain (40). Of the gear set of the input gear (3A) and output gear (3B) and the gear set of the device output gear (7) and final gear (12), one set comprises helical gears having helical tooth traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamada, Hirofumi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20010023215
    Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission transmits a torque from an input disk to an output disk through a plurality of groups of rollers interposed between the input disk and the output disk. Respective carriages for the rollers are connected to one another by a connecting member. A hydraulic actuator collectively applies forces against torque transmission reactive forces respectively received by the rollers to the rollers through the connecting member and the corresponding carriages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yasuharu Misada
  • Patent number: 6280360
    Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing (1), an input shaft (3), a torque converter (34), two input discs (5, 15) with toroidal inner surfaces, two output discs (6, 16) with toroidal inner surfaces, one input disc and one output disc each forming one pair and both output discs being disposed next to each other with mirror symmetry, several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from the input disc to the corresponding output disc, one output shaft (10) and one gear wheel system (8, 9) between output discs and output shaft wherein on the transmission housing (1) is removably fastened a holding frame (2) which has: one upper frame clamp (28), one lower frame clamp (29), one cup-shaped bearing support member (7) which connects the upper frame clamp with the lower frame clamp and upon which at least one gearing (24) for the gear wheel (8) is situated in a manner such that its inner ring is stationarily arranged and its out ring rotates together with the gear wheel (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Kuhn, Jürgen Wafzig
  • Publication number: 20010016534
    Abstract: A pair of power rollers which is gripped between an input disk and an output disk and transmits torque by friction, is supported rotatably by a pair of trunnions. The upper ends and lower ends of the trunnions are respectively connected by links, and the power roller is prevented from being driven out from between the input disk and output disk by the grip force. When the trunnions and the power rollers are displaced by the servopistons in the trunnion axis direction in mutually opposite directions, the trunnions and power rollers gyrate around the trunnion axis as pivot, and a speed change will occur. Links are provided with slots which lengthen in the trunnion axis direction, and are supported in the transmission case free to displace in the trunnion axis direction via pins inserted in the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20010016535
    Abstract: In order to facilitate an assembling operation of a structure which is correctly operated with a proper positional relation, in a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, a displacement shaft, a power roller, a radial needle bearing, a thrust ball bearing and a thrust needle bearing are pre-assembled to a trunnion. After dimensional relations and operation conditions of the constructural parts of the assembly or unit are ascertained, the assembly is assembled within a housing together with other unit, thereby completing the toroidal type continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Publication number: 20010014639
    Abstract: An inner surface 16a of an output transmitting disc of a toroidal type continuously variable transmission can be finish-worked without enhancing accuracy of a cylindrical surface as an outer peripheral surface of the disc. The inner surface is finish-worked with super finish while urging a working surface of a grindstone against the inner surface. In this case, roller shoes are rollingly contacted with the inner surface to prevent the disc from being retarded from the working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Seiichiro Hatase, Masami Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6273839
    Abstract: A roller control unit (2) for a continuously-variable-ratio transmission includes a cylinder (6) having a cylinder wall and an end wall; and a piston (8), within the cylinder (6) and to which the roller assembly (4) is connected for movement therewith, said unit includes an axially extending shroud (10) of variable length extending between the piston (8) and the end wall, thereby to define in combination with the piston (8) and cylinder (6) a chamber (16) for receiving hydraulic fluid, and in which the shroud (10) comprises a telescopic shroud which in a first position of the piston (8) is extended and in a second position of the piston (8) is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Dutson
  • Patent number: 6261203
    Abstract: In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the radial needle roller bearing includes a plurality of needle rollers, the two end portions of each of the needle rollers in the axial direction thereof are crowned, and the crowning amount is set such that, in the portion of the needle roller that is situated by 7-13% of the axial-direction length toward the axial-direction central portion of the needle roller from the axial-direction end face of the needle roller, the crowning amount is 0.1-0.4% of the outside diameter of the axial-direction central portion of the needle roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Shimizuya, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroyuki Itoh, Seiji Higuchi, Nobuo Goto
  • Patent number: 6244985
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infiflely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing 1, an input shaft 3, a torque shaft 34, two input discs 5, 15 with toroidal inner surfaces and two output discs 6, 16 with toroidal inner surfaces. One input disc and one output disc each form a pair and the two output discs are arranged next to each other and in mirror symmetry. The toroidal drive also comprises several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from the input disc to the corresponding output disc, an output shaft 10 and a gear wheel system 8, 9 between the output discs and the output shaft. A holding frame 2 is removably fastened to the drive housing 1,which frame consists of an upper frame clamp 28, a lower frame clamp 29 and a cup-shaped bearing support member 7. The lowerframe clamp 29 has a recess 45 and one end of the output shaft 10 is mounted via a bearing 32 in a rotating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Wafzig, Walter Kuhn
  • Patent number: 6238318
    Abstract: In order to facilitate an assembling operation of a structure which is correctly operated with a proper positional relation, in a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, a displacement shaft, a power roller, a radial needle bearing, a thrust ball bearing and a thrust needle bearing are pre-assembled to a trunnion. After dimensional relations and operation conditions of the constructural parts of the assembly or unit are ascertained, the assembly is assembled within a housing together with other unit, thereby completing the toroidal type continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato, Takashi Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6206801
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission provided with a rotary shaft characterized in that a ball spline is formed between an inner peripheral surface of a first disc and an outer peripheral surface of an intermediate portion of a rotary shaft, a restraining members for limiting displacement of balls of a ball spline is provided on an inner side of the inner peripheral surface of the first disc, a small-diametered portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the rotary shaft and between the first disc and a second disc, and the restraining members is mountable through the small-diametered portion with the restraining members and the small-diametered portion axially aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Ito, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6203467
    Abstract: A lubricating mechanism of a toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a first supply port (107) for supplying lubricating oil to a contact surface of an input disk (17, 19) and output disk (18, 20) with a power roller (70, 71, 170, 171), and a second supply port (114) for supplying lubricating oil to a bearing (71A) supporting the power roller (70, 71, 170, 171) on a trunnion (72, 73) are provided. A first oil passage (105, 106) for connecting the oil pump (5) to either one of the first supply port (107) and second supply port (114), and a second oil passage (108, 109, 110, 112, 113) for connecting an oil cooler (50) to the other one of the first supply port (107) and second supply port (114), are provided. Insufficiency of lubricating oil is prevented by having two different sources to supply lubricating oil to the bearing (71A) and the contact surface of the power roller (70, 71, 170, 171).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideharu Yamamoto, Masaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6196945
    Abstract: A lower section (78f) of a piston boss (78d) of a hydraulic cylinder (80) is formed with a small radius and is inserted into a fixed gap provided with respect to the inner peripheral face of the cylinder through hole (60d). A thrust force F is applied to trunnions (46) supporting power rollers (29) and the trunnions (46) deform about a support position connected by an upper link (50) and a lower link (52). At the same time, even if the lower end (78f) of the piston boss (78d) undergoes a large inclination, no adverse effect results on the inner peripheral face of the cylinder through hole (60d). Even if the sliding section of the piston undergoes a large inclination together with a deformation of the trunnions (46), local wear and damage to the sliding face on the cylinder inner periphery can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Masaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6176806
    Abstract: A cam disk for use in a loading cam mechanism of a toroidal type continuously variable transmission comprises a first projecting portion, a second projecting portion, a flange portion, a cam surface, a bearing raceway and a corner section. The cam disk has metal flows along the cam surface, metal flows along a surface of the raceway, and metal flows along a surface of the corner section. To produce the cam disk, material is shaped into a predetermined form through a first forging step using a first die unit, a second forging step using a second die unit, a third forging step using a third die unit, a finishing step, etc. The metal flows are also formed in these steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Okubo, Hiroyuki Itoh, Nobuaki Mitamura, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato, Takashi Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6174257
    Abstract: An outer race of a thrust ball bearing supporting a thrust load applied to a power roller is rotatably supported around a displacement shaft. A portion in which the contact pressure between an outer race track and the rolling surface of a rolling member is high changes so that the fatigue of the outer race track does not progress locally. Also, the power roller and the outer race are subjected to predetermined treatment and working. Irrespective of a great thrust load applied during operation, stress is alleviated and the lubricating property of the portion of contact is made good to thereby prevent cracks or early wear from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Imanishi, Nobuaki Mitamura, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6159126
    Abstract: When a vehicle comprising a toroidal continuously variable transmission is pulled or run under its own inertia when the engine has stopped, the rotation torque of the drive wheels varies a gyration angle of a power roller (44FR, 44FL, 44RR, 44RL) via an output disk (18, 20) in a direction so as to reduce a speed ratio. This decrease of speed ratio reduces starting performance when the vehicle is restarted by the engine. This invention suppresses the variation of gyration angle by a spring (100) which limits the displacement of a trunnion (46FR, 46FL, 46RR, 46RL) supporting the power roller (44FR, 44FL, 44RR, 44RL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6155953
    Abstract: The upper and lower ends of plural trunnions (46) of a toroidal continuously variable transmission are joined by links (50, 52). A trunnion shaft (70) is joined to the lower end of the trunnion (46). A boss (78A) of a piston (78) is attached to the outer circumference of the trunnion shaft (70), and tightened toward the trunnion (46) by a nut (82) which screws into the trunnion shaft (70). The upper end of the boss is formed as a plane surface, and a supporting surface (76E) of a supporting member (76) which supports this plane surface on the trunnion (46) is formed as a spherical surface. When the spherical surface and plane surface under a relative displacement, a bending load which acts on the trunnion (46) is prevented from acting on the piston (78), and wear of the piston (78) is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6142906
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (11) having power rollers (18A-18D) held between input discs (19, 20) and output discs (21, 22) and transmitting power and a torque converter (12) having a lock up clutch (12D) connected to the continuously variable transmission (11) are provided. The line pressure of a working fluid supplied from a pump (1) is adjusted by a pressure regulator valve (2), and the adjusted line pressure is introduced to a lock up control valve (5) for controlling a fluid pressure to be supplied to the lock up clutch (12D) of the torque converter (12) through a pressure passage (31). Further, an oil cooler (32) is interposed in a downstream portion of the lock up control valve (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Sakai, Jun Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6123641
    Abstract: Lateral wear of a contact position of a cam face of a precess cam which displaces in response to the gyrational state of a power roller and a cam follower which is provided on a feedback link is reduced. The cam follower (55) which contacts with the cam face (54) of the precess cam (52) is mounted on the feedback link (53) and the cam follower (55) comprises a three-dimensional curve such a rotating barrel-shaped body. Even if the cam face (54) of the precess cam (52) inclines, the cam follower (55) is normally maintained in a stable contact state. In this way, wear is reduced and durability is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6117042
    Abstract: The continuously variable toroidal drive has one input shaft and two input disks situated co-axially thereto with toroidal inner surfaces wherein the input disks and the output disks form pairs of disks disposed with mirror symmetry relative to each other and side by side. The input shaft is surrounded by a coaxial hollow shaft upon which are rotatably supported the two output disks and a first input disk; the second input disk being non-rotatably connected with the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a cam flange which together with the first disk is pressed apart by a roller-shaped pressure device, the pressure device being held by a substantially U-shaped supporting structure which is connected with the input shaft, wherein drive pressure is applied without relative rotation between the input disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Wafzig
  • Patent number: 6117037
    Abstract: A toroidal continuous variable transmission is disclosed in which no power is transmitted to toroidal speed changers during the engagement of a direct clutch. The toroidal continuous variable transmission is constructed such that the engagement of the direct clutch causes an input shaft to connect drivingly with an output shaft through a planetary gear system whereby the power may be transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft. The release of the forward clutch makes reverse means freewheeling so that no load is applied to output disks. As a result, none of the input disks are subjected to the thrust force at the loading cam, regardless of the rotation of the input shaft. Therefore, although the toroidal speed changers may make only the idling in unison with the input shaft, none of the input disks are forcibly urged against the power rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamazaki